The Class of 2024 bids farewell to De La Salle in Waterford City
Leaving Cert students at De La Salle College. Photo: Joe Evans
It was a beautifully sunny afternoon at De La Salle College, as the outgoing 6th Year students came to the school to say thank you and goodbye.
The boys earned excellent results in their Leaving Cert, and have done their school proud.
Waterford News and Star stopped by the school to chat with students and teachers.
There was a sense of jubilation as the young lads spoke about their plans for university, apprenticeships and the future.
Photographer, Joe Evans was there to capture the lads as they head off into the unknown.
This year, six students received the maximum 600 points, and one student received eight H1's.
According to De La Salle: "With 28 students receiving in excess of 500 points and six receiving the maximum 625 points, it was a proud day for the school community. One student sat eight higher Level exams and achieved eight H1’s."
Speaking with a couple of the high achievers, it was clear that the results came as bit of a shock.
One student said: "I was just elated, I wasn't really expecting it I was so happy."
Another student said: "We had our debs the night before. I remember when I opened them I probably didn't give them a worthy reaction, because I was so tired.
One student, George, has decided to defer for a year to pursue a promising music career in London.
He said: " I got an offer of medicine in Trinity, but I'm not going to college, I'm in London right now. I write music, so that's what I'm doing. I'm writing music for a few labels and I'm really enjoying it."
He added that his family are very supportive of the decision to defer: "I'm really fortunate to grow up in an environment where my parents are like 'just do your best and see what happens."
Another student is headed up North to study medicine: "I've accepted medicine in Queens in Belfast, starting in two weeks. I think not a lot of people know about the northern route.
"It's quite a challenge to get into there, to start in September with interviews and stuff like that. It's very different to the route you take in the Republic of Ireland."
The Leaving Cert year can be the most stressful time of a young person's life, with many students forgoing their social lives and extra-curricular activities.
A few of the high-scoring students were members of the De La Salle choir, and spoke highly of the group.
Speaking with them was an was eye-opening experience as they all noted how much they enjoyed the last year, both in and out of the classroom.
One member said: "I'd say today is kind of like, you know, our last kind of hurrah all together here, and, you know, gives us a chance to look back at, you know, the years. And I'd say that when we are looking back, the choir would be the main thing that we would look back on."
One of the choir members said: "I'm not trying to speak for everybody here, but one thing we genuinely did agree on is that we all felt that during the year that we spent a lot more time sort of having fun with a lot of other people because of the in-school stuff we did."
"We were talking earlier about the choir like we all sort of spent the year messing around with choir, and it really made going to school not much of a chore at all."
He added: "Big expectations sometimes lead to a bad day on exam or something. The expectations for us weren't too high, so you know, we were kind of just tipping away ourselves, doing extra-curriculars."
It was a bittersweet day for the staff and teachers who have watched these young people grow up.
In the staff room, there was a moment of reflection for Avu Idris, their fellow student who tragically passed away two months earlier.
One teacher said: "We lost one man, which we never expected to happen. We won't ever forget that for many of you, he was a very, very good friend, and I'd ask you just to keep him and his friends in your thoughts and prayers.
"We as teachers here at the college very, very proud of each and every one of you. We wish you all the very best in the future. You're always welcome here in college."
De La Salle stated: "De La Salle College Waterford has once again proven its commitment to academic excellence with the leaving cert class of 2024 achieving superb results in their recent exams. These achievements highlight the College’s dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a learning environment that encourages growth, hard work and success.
"Their outstanding performance reflects the high standards set by the College and the dedication of both the students and their teachers and the support of their families.
"The Leaving Cert Applied Class also achieved excellent results with three of the students receiving a distinction grade. The Leaving Cert Class of 2024 faced unprecedented challenges during their academic journey, including periods of remote learning and uncertainty, however despite these hurdles, these students displayed remarkable adaptability and perseverance, proving that they are well-equipped to overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead.
"While academic success is essential, De La Salle College also places a strong emphasis on holistic student development. We encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, from sports, arts, community service to leadership programs, all of which help our students build character, develop essential skills and learn the importance of teamwork and empathy.
"As these students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, the management and staff of De La Salle College would like to wish them well in their future, whether it be in the world of work or further education.
"De La Salle Colle would like to invite all 6th class primary school boys to our annual open night, which takes place on Tuesday September 24th from 6pm. Students will be able to explore the College and the excellent facilities and choice of subjects on offer to them.
